vermont's seven daysies 2009

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SEVEN DAYSIES2009 GUIDE TO READERS' PICKS

FOOD & DRINK P.04C

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION P.13C

MEDIA & POLITICS P.18C

SERVICES & STUFF P.24C

T hose of you who voted in the Day-sies may recall the questions at the end of the survey: What one change

would make Vermont a better place to live? Who’s your Vermont local hero? Who should be Vermont’s next governor?

Not surprisingly, the answers were all over the map — you Vermonters are such mavericks, Sarah Palin would be proud of you if it weren’t for that gay-marriage thing. But we’ll attempt to summarize them here.

What one change would make Vermont a better place to live?

Most responses earnestly address substantive issues facing the state: health care for all, more affordable housing, lower taxes, more jobs, better public transportation, etc. Of course, another sizable contingent mentioned the weather. As in: more sunshine. Looking at last year’s Daysies write-up, we noted the words “rainiest summer ever.” Really? It couldn’t have held a candle to this one.

Plenty of people are still fluffed about the state of the roads, so they must not live on Pine Street in Burlington, which has been undergoing improvements all summer. A few independent types still think seceding from the U.S. would make everything all better, but even more are certain that legalizing marijuana would do the job.

Real Mexican food, Ethiopian food, free trash removal and better cell service all made the list. We’re still puzzling over “more people from New Jersey and Sweden.” How would that help, ex-actly?

Oh, and to the person who asked, “Do you really read all of these?” — the answer is yes.

Who’s your Vermont local hero?

This one’s pretty much a tie between our two U.S. senators, Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders. Not that they aren’t both deserving, but, boy, there’s nothing like name recogni-tion. ’Cause the runners-up are former Governor Howard Dean and Capt. Richard Phillips —

you know, the Underhill resident who offered himself as hostage to Somali pirates to save his Maersk Alabama crew, and then was rescued by some sharp-shooting Navy Seals. Dude is truly a hero, and got a whole lot of deserved media coverage for it.

Still, quite a few readers saw fit to name relatively lesser beings. We’re willing to con-cede heroism may come in many guises, but the Logger? Harpo? Champ!? Please. Can we at least stick to nonfiction?

A few voters threw props to their local police and fire departments; others named “my hus-band” or “my wife.” Awww.

We kind of liked the person — somewhat clueless, but with unmistakable priorities — who wrote, “Is Fred Tuttle still alive? If not, then Bernie.” Answer: Fred is dead, but the Tun-bridge farmer was, in his own way, some kinda hero.

Who should be Vermont’s next governor?

Again, name recognition helps a lot — most of the individuals who’ve thrown their hats in the ring for the next gubernatorial election got some nods. We have to reveal that Sen. Doug Racine came out ahead, though the Chitten-den County Democrat played second fiddle to one answer: anyone but Douglas. Seriously. We certainly wouldn’t pin all of Vermont’s prob-lems on our current governor, but it seems to be popular to blame him anyway. Then again, Seven Days readers may well be a biased bunch.

Some other candidates to contemplate, ac-cording to our voters, are the collective “ladies” of the House of LeMay, Burlington artist dug NAP, actor Christian Bale (inspired, perhaps, by his YouTube-captured ability to shout oppo-nents into submission, and assuming he would take up residence in Vermont), and “that guy with all the colorful trash on his bike,” who per-haps only Burlington residents will recognize as the so-called Bird Man. And no way are we giv-ing him up to Montpelier.

Of course, we’ve got our favorite answers: “Some really smart gal” and “Ira Allen. He counts.” Um, counts what? m

— p.p.

S even is our favorite number, for obvious reasons. So this seventh consecutive iteration of the Daysies makes us extra happy about doling out awards. No doubt the people who win them will feel the same — especially those who’ve

won every single time. Getting bored yet, you perennials? Didn’t think so.What really blew us away this year was the sheer number of readers who voted —

3600, to be exact — and the vast majority of them used our online survey. As we’ve told you before, it really helps with the arithmetic when you can capture the answers from a website and dump them into a spreadsheet. Our staff pizza-and-beer counting night is a receding memory, and to replace it we all get together and recite poems from memory.

Kidding about that last part.Anyway. Regular readers will find many familiar names here. That’s because a lot of

individuals and businesses are unfailingly popular and, as luck would have it, are still alive. Some dueling competitors just seem to swap places each year, so the suspense is in finding out who took home the Daysie and who was runner-up. But, trust us, there were a few upsets in 2009.

To offset the hegemony of population-heavy Chittenden County, we included more “Outside” categories this year wherever the number of votes justified it. That ushered in a whole host of new winners, primarily in central Vermont.

And, as usual, we introduced some new categories, changed the wording of a few clas-sics, and eliminated others altogether. This fluctuation inevitably upsets somebody, but there’s usually a net gain on the happy side. If you’re in the former camp, please accept our condolences.

Thanks to the community of readers and advertisers who contribute to making Ver-mont the “best” in so many ways, and who are helping this independent, locally owned media enterprise survive in a very challenging time. Like we always say, without you we’d be pushing up You-Know-What.

PAMeLA PoLStoN

2009 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS

o2C | SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 Guide to readers’ picks »sevendaysvt.com

SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 Guide to readers’ picks | 03C

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L egend holds that the number seven is auspicious, and for a handful of area restaurants it most certainly is: Pre-

cious few have won every single year since the Daysies awards began.

Penny Cluse is among them. A favorite with locals and “hobbits” alike — Elijah Wood of Lord of the Rings fame has been spotted there on a number of occasions — the a.m. hot spot dishes up flavorful fare with flair. The fresh-squeezed tangerine juice alone is worth a trip.

Then there’s veggie-friendly Stone Soup. The café, named for a children’s story about sharing, certainly isn’t sharing those first-place Daysies. Mirabelles has dominated the Bakery category, and City Market invariably wins for Best Natural Foods — inside Chitten-den County, that is.

Though it’s great to see local favorites score year after year, tossing fresh ingredients

into the mix keeps things interesting. So this year we sprinkled in a few new categories and tweaked some old ones.

Eaters must really love the Chicken Tikka Saag and Lamb Vindaloo at India House in Burlington. Why? It won for Best Ethnic Cui-sine, Non-Asian.” Never mind that India is, in fact, part of Asia. Trattoria Delia picked up the first-ever prize for Best Italian Restaurant, plus one for Best Special Occasion Restaurant. The much-publicized fact that designer Karl Lagerfeld ate there three times in a week probably didn’t hurt.

Despite not serving Italian-style pies, American Flatbread has been sneaking away with the Best Pizza award since 2005. To let other players get in the game, we introduced Best Pizza Delivery to the mix. Leonardo’s Piz-za, which dishes up flavorful rounds in flavors such as Fennel Sausage Gourmet and Louisiana Cajun Creation, took the proverbial cake.

Would you believe that the ever-popular Leunig’s earned its first Daysie this year? The bistro, which scored for Best Lunch in the county, has plenty of al fresco seating on Church Street and a mix of traditional French fare such as soupe au pistou and contempo-rary American dishes, including Duck Confit “Sloppy Joe.” Even during the day, fat-cat customers can add foie gras, lobster tail and truffled potatoes to any dish.

Although it’s not unusual for a single res-taurant to show in a couple of different cat-egories, 2009 gave us a triple threat in the form of the new Stowe Mountain Lodge. The AIG-owned property, which boasts Solstice — a fancy restaurant — took home the gold for Best Breakfast/Brunch” and Best Dinner outside Chittenden County, while the resort’s casual Hourglass bar won for Best Après Ski. Sounds like the place’s regulars are just as loyal as the lingering patrons of the Hotel California.

What other eateries are basking in Seven Daysies love? Read on.

SUZANNE PODHAIZER

FOOD & DRINK

O4C | SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 Guide to readers’ picks »sevendaysvt.com

Best Special Occasion Restaurant (Inside Chittenden County); Best Italian RestaurantTRATTORIA DELIABurlington

PASTA PERFECTIONWith a cozy, fire-lit dining room, a legendary wine list and a menu that doesn’t quit, Trattoria Delia has long been a go-to place for hard-core Italophiles and couples in search of romanza. And what better way to get acquainted than over grilled shrimp and white beans with arugula, a shared plate of house-made gnocchi in a tomato-basil butter sauce, and the famous filet mignon — braised in red wine and demi-glace and topped with truffle butter?

The gracious, helpful service doesn’t hurt; resto owners Tom and Lori Delia ensure that all new servers get a crash course in the myriad styles of Italian wines. Fun fact: In season, much of the restaurant’s produce comes from the Delia family garden.

SUZANNE PODHAIZER

Best Place to Have Dinner, Best Breakfast/Brunch Outside Chittenden County; Best Après-Ski STOWE MOUNTAIN LODGE

MOUNTAIN MAJESTYThese days, it’s easy to source local ingredients for small neighborhood restaurants and intimate fine-dining destinations, but finding enough to supply a massive hotel is another matter. Nevertheless, Stowe Mountain Lodge’s executive chef, Sean Buchanan, makes it happen. Solstice, the lodge’s gorgeous restaurant, boasts sky-high ceilings, artworks by local artisans and a menu that lists 38 area suppliers, ranging from cheese makers such as Cobb Hill and Woodcock Farm to veggie growers and vineyards.

The goods are used in upscale preparations such as truffled beef tartare and lamb with thyme broth, carrots, greens and pistachios. They also make their way into casual fare, such as the $18 Vermonter Burger with fries and a handful of rustic flatbreads served at the resort’s casual Hourglass, which claims the post-downhill action as well.

SUZANNE PODHAIZER

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TRATTORIA DELIA MANAgER JEREMy VENDITTO AND HOSTESS KATE BOLTON

SOLSTICE AT STOwE

MOUNTAIN LODgE


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break

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Thank you for your patronage, kind words, encouragement, appetites, smiles, support, efforts, ideas, compassion, car-ing, children, dreams, intentions, acts of benevolence, ber-ries, vegetables, farmers, friendships & much much more.

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Best place to have dinner INSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] American Flatbread Burlington Hearth[RU] Leunig’s Bistro & Café (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Solstice at Stowe Mountain Lodge [RU] Sarducci’s (Montpelier)

Best special-occasion restaurant INSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Trattoria Delia (Burlington)[RU] A Single Pebble Restaurant (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Hen of the Wood (Waterbury)[RU] Solstice at Stowe Mountain Lodge

Best Asian restaurant[W] A Single Pebble Restaurant (Burlington)[RU] Tiny Thai (Winooski)

Best ethnic cuisine (non-Asian)[W] India House (Burlington)[RU] Madera’s Restaurant & Cantina (Burlington)

Best Italian restaurantINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Trattoria Delia (Burlington)[RU] Three Tomatoes (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Sarcucci’s (Montpelier)

Best veggie fareINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Stone Soup (Burlington)[RU] Magnolia Breakfast & Lunch Bistro (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Kismet (Montpelier)[RU] Rhapsody Natural Foods (Montpelier)


06C | SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 Guide to readers’ picks »sevendaysvt.com

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The Best Way to dineTASTING MENUS

BITE SIZED Nowadays, many Vermont restaurants offer prix-fixe menus, which allow diners to sample a handful of courses for less than it

would cost to order them à la carte. But foodies looking for an over-the-top eating experience have another, rarely advertised

option: a chef’s tasting menu.

If you call well in advance and make a special request, many fine chefs will enthusiastically prepare a five- or even seven-

course meal composed of bites of their best offerings. Sampling dishes not listed on the regular menu is part of the thrill, as

is knowing that the chef is paying special attention to your food. At the end, assuming you’re pleased, don’t forget to send

the kitchen your compliments.

For a serious dose of amour, gourmands need look no further than The Pitcher Inn in Warren. There, the chef’s tasting

isn’t offered in the dining room. Instead, those who wish to partake sit at the wine cellar’s sole table (pictured above), where

servers and sommeliers attend to their every need. Très romantique.

SUzanne PodhaizeR

Best Pizza Restaurant (outside Chittenden County)POSITIvE PIE AND POSITIvE PIE 2Plainfield, Montpelier

FlyIN’ HIGHCarlo Rovetto, owner of Positive Pie (Plainfield) and Positive Pie 2

(Montpelier), has oodles of restaurant experience — he’s been working in

the industry since he was 8 years old. But he’s also got a spiritual streak:

The Capital City locale is decorated with crystals and images of Buddha.

The pizzeria’s original spot is a modest place to get a pie or a slice, but

PP2, which opened in 2005, is a full-fledged restaurant, bar and lounge.

There’s still plenty of ’za, including Melenzana with eggplant, fresh

mozzarella and pesto, but patrons can sample other Italian specialties

such as spinach-laced Steak Fiorentina and Pork Marsala with risotto.

Want to end Friday or Saturday night on a “positive” note? Swig a Hot

& Dirty Martini — made of Absolut Peppar, olive juice and vermouth — or

a Cucumber Saketini while taking in live music at the bar.

SUzanne PodhaizeR


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Best breakfast/brunchINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Penny Cluse Café (Burlington)[RU] Magnolia Breakfast & Lunch Bistro (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Solstice at Stowe Mountain Lodge [RU] Kismet (Montpelier)

Best place to do lunch[W] Leunig’s Bistro & Café (Burlington)[RU] The Skinny Pancake (Burlington)

Best late-night food[W] Kountry Kart Deli (Burlington)[RU] Nectar’s (Burlington)

Best pizza restaurantINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] American Flatbread Burlington Hearth[RU] Junior’s Italian (Colchester, Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Positive Pie (Plainfi eld/Montpelier)[RU] Piecasso (Stowe)

Best pizza delivery[W] Leonardo’s Pizza (Burlington)[RU] Junior’s Italian (Colchester, Burlington)

Best brew pubINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Vermont Pub & Brewery (Burlington)[RU] American Flatbread Burlington Hearth

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] The Alchemist (Waterbury)[RU] The Shed (Stowe)

Best Vermont microbrewery[W] Magic Hat Brewing Company (South Burlington)[RU] Switchback (Burlington)

Best barINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Red Square (Burlington)[RU] 1/2 Lounge (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] The Alchemist (Waterbury)[RU] Hourglass at Stowe Mountain Lodge

Best après-ski[W] Stowe Mountain Lodge[RU] (tie) The Matterhorn & The Shed (Stowe)

Best coffee/teahouseINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Muddy Waters (Burlington)[RU] Uncommon Grounds (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Capitol Grounds (Montpelier)[RU] Langdon Street Café (Montpelier)

0 8C | SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS »sevendaysvt.com

JESSICA BRIDGE


Best Brew Pub & Best Bar (Outside Chittenden County)THE ALCHEMISTWaterbury

CHEERS FOR BEERS Brewers at The Alchemist may not be able to convert lead into precious metal,

but they can turn malt, hops and water into liquid gold. Their fl avorful beers,

including the Belgian-style Ménage à Trois and the Panty Dropper, an American

IPA, are known far and wide. Area chefs stop in after work for a pint, and patrons

have been known to drive all the way from Burlington for the goods.

But fermented fl uid isn’t the only draw: The fl avorful pub fare reels ’em in,

too. Golden hand-cut fries, served in a paper cone with spicy ketchup or garlic

mayo for dipping, are crisp and delicious. For something heartier, there’s always

the sausage and ’kraut plate, or a Porter Braised Chicken Leg with herbed polenta.

Like beer for dessert, too? You can’t go wrong with Maple-Porter Pudding Cake.

SUZANNE PODHAIZER

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Best Veggie Fare (Outside Chittenden County) KISMET Montpelier

FORTUNATE FAREKismet’s fi rst Daysie win, for Best Veggie Fare Outside Chittenden County, wasn’t a stroke of luck. Owners Crystal Maderia and Alanna Dorf strive to create unique, healthy fare that’s accessible to everybody. That’s why their eggs Benedict crêpe — a hollandaise sauce, raw-milk cheese and pea-shoot concoction — can be made with ham or tempeh. The ginger-miso soup bowl comes with tender braised chicken or golden tofu, and gluten-fearing folks can opt for sizzling rice in place of soba noodles. For dessert, build your own sweet crêpe, with or without dairy, or try a slice of fl ourless chocolate-truffl e cake.

Visitors can now enjoy the eats, made almost entirely from local ingredients, in the resto’s new garden patio. Need some Kismet at your wedding? The owners cater, too.

SUZANNE PODHAIZER


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Best bakeryINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Mirabelles (Burlington)[RU] Klinger’s Bread (South Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Red Hen Bakery & Café (Middlesex)[RU] La Brioche Bakery (Montpelier)

Best natural foods marketINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] City Market (Burlington)[RU] Healthy Living (South Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Hunger Mountain Co-op (Montpelier)

Tastiest takeout[W] Tiny Thai (Winooski)[RU] Pho Hong (Burlington)

Best street eats[W] The Skinny Pancake (Burlington)[RU] Hong’s Dumplings (Burlington)

Best wine seller[W] Cheese Traders and Wine Sellers (South Burlington)[RU] Burlington Wine Shop F

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Best Place to Do LunchLEUNIG’S BISTRO & CAFé Burlington

STREET SAVVYThere’s no better people watching in Vermont than on Burlington’s Church Street Marketplace, and Leunig’s allows patrons

to soak up the scene in style. Jazz, cocktails and cozy French favorites only add to the ambiance.

It’s not all Euro at the 29-year-old eatery. Although Chef Donnell Collins still dishes up classics such as Escargot Maison

and Croque Monsieur, she gets creative, too. The lunch menu includes a house-made black-bean burger and, even more

unusual, strawberry-and-cashew-crusted salmon with a drizzle of vanilla bean crème fraîche.

Known for personally greeting customers at the door, General Manager Bob Conlon presides over the front of the house

with a smile, and ensures that the eatery gives back to the community by participating in fundraisers for worthy causes.

Leunig’s isn’t just a place to grab lunch; it’s a package deal.

SUzanne PoDhaizeR

Best Coffeehouse/ Teahouse (outside Chittenden County) CAPITOL GROUNDS Montpelier

ThE BEAN SCENEVermont has no shortage of places to get jazzed on java,

but Montpelier’s Capitol Grounds, on State Street not far

from the Golden Dome, is a longstanding favorite. With

its own nearby roastery and plenty of things to eat, the

café is a hot spot for politicos, students and tourists

alike. Some pop in for something to go, while others

hang out for hours with their laptops, enjoying the river

view.

Conscious coffee drinkers, take note: Capitol Grounds

uses Fair Trade-certified beans, which are often organic

as well. If you want to sip something more soothing,

there are teas, Italian sodas and juices, too.

SUzanne PoDhaizeR

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THANKS FOR YOUR VOTES!

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unionstreet mediawould like to shout out a loud, boisterous and heartfelt...

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T alk about loyalty. If Vermont doesn’t acquire more really good clubs, musicians, galleries and so on, certain people and places could very

well go on winning every single year forever. Or at least as long as we continue to hand out Daysies. It’s not that they aren’t deserving. So, for their seventh Daysies, give a big hand to Higher Ground (Best Live Music Venue); Club Metronome (Best Dance Club); Chris Bohjalian (Best Fiction Writer); the Firehouse Gallery (Best Art Gallery); Frog Hollow (Coolest Craft Gallery); and the town of Stowe (Best Weekend Getaway in Vermont). We’re still wondering where Stowe residents go to get away. Maybe up the road to the new Stowe Mountain Lodge, which came in second? Or maybe they blow off steam at the Rusty Nail, which won “Best Dance Club Outside Chittenden County.” In other words, they don’t really leave town.

Seven Days readers are still besties with the Shel-burne Museum, while ECHO Lake Aquarium and Sci-ence Center is a perennial second choice. The latter came out on top, though, in a new-this-year category: Best Place to Take Your Kids.” Another Shelburne insti-tution, the Farms, was runner-up. Must be that animal magnetism.

The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival returned to first place after last year’s upset by the (now second place) Vermont Brewers Fest. Similarly, Stowe Moun-tain reasserted itself as the superlative snow slope af-ter a brief tumble; last year’s winner, Sugarbush, slid

into second. Shelburne’s Kwiniaska came back as Best Public Golf Course” — fore! — nudging out Williston. Those who just like to watch have reaffirmed the long winning streak of Merrill’s Roxy as Best Movie Theater, while suburbanites put Williston’s Majestic 10 in sec-ond place.

Speaking of loyalty, Grace Potter has collected a bouquet of Daysies for Best Vocalist, though the runner-up got a new name this year: Myra Flynn, Burlington’s soulful young chanteuse. For the last few years, Seven Days readers have flip-flopped between Gordon Stone and Dave Grippo as Best Instrumentalist, and this year the former, a banjo and pedal steel player extraordi-naire, came in first. Maybe that augurs well for Stone’s brand-new album, Night Shade.

Voters are not nearly so decisive when it comes to Best Unsigned Vermont Band. This year we have an unprecedented three-way tie. Yes, three. And they are Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot, the Dirty Blondes and Michetti (named for its sizzling guitarist, Chris Mi-chetti, formerly of Raq). It’s an eclectic lineup — alt-country, punk and hard rock, respectively — and we think they should all go on tour together. During the stage changes, number-one DJ A-Dog could keep the party going.

Congrats to the lot.

PAMELA POLSTON

arTs, enTerTainmenT& recreaTion

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Best Cross-Country SkiingTraPP FamiLY LoDGeStowe

TraiL miXWhen latecomers set out from the Trapp Family Lodge

to ski the 60 groomed kilometers of Nordic trails, one

question tends to be on their minds: Can we make it

to the cabin? Tucked amid maple and spruce at the top

of a punishing slope, the Slayton Pasture Cabin offers

hot drinks, a blazing fire, and the informal camaraderie

of other folks who’ve made the climb on snowshoes or

skis. More adventurous skiers get a workout on the 100

kilometers of thickly wooded backcountry trails before

sipping their cocoa. But whether or not you make the

cabin, it’s easy to see why the nation’s first full-service

Nordic center consistently either wins the Daysie or

comes in right behind Williston’s Catamount Family

Center. One has looming, snow-misted mountains and a

cabin; the other, a sweeping clear-day prospect of Lake

Champlain and the Adirondacks. Hard to lose.

MARGOT HARRiSON


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Best live music venue[W] Higher Ground (South Burlington)[RU] Nectar’s (Burlington)

Best dance clubINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Club Metronome (Burlington)[RU] Higher Ground (South Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Rusty Nail (Stowe)[RU] Langdon St. Café (Montpelier)

Best instrumentalist[W] Gordon Stone [RU] Dave Grippo

Best vocalist[W] Grace Potter [RU] Myra Flynn

Best unsigned Vermont band [W] (3-way tie) Dirty Blondes, Lowell Thompson & Crown Pilot, Chris Michetti

Best club DJ[W] A-Dog[RU] cRAIG mITCHELL


Best Dance Club (Outside Chittenden County)tHe rUstY naiL Bar & GriLLeStowe

rUst BeLt An old bumper sticker used to read, “The best thing about Burlington is that it’s so close to Vermont.” While the Queen

City may be the state’s cultural and economic center, rural areas are not exactly lacking for “big city” amenities, especially

where entertainment is concerned. In particular, Stowe — aka Little Aspen — boasts a smorgasbord of nighttime hotspots

to suit most any taste. And their crown jewel is undoubtedly the Rusty Nail Bar & Grille on the Mountain Road. The

cavernous après-ski destination is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, featuring an enormous dance floor, a tasty menu,

a game room and, er, “top-notch” live entertainment on weekends. And the late-night fun isn’t relegated to winter; the

joint is jumping in the warmer months, too. Or at least it will be, after ongoing renovations are complete. Dan BOlles

Best Place to Bitch about not Winning a DaysietHe otHer PLaceBurlington

Bar none Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And sometimes you want to

go where everybody should know your freakin’ name, dammit. In life as in the Seven Daysies

awards, there are winners and losers. And while we celebrate the former, we can’t help but

lament the latter. In either case, there’s no better forum in which to raise a glass or drown

your sorrows than the classic neighborhood dive bar. In my neighborhood, that bar is The

Other Place, aka The O.P. From daily drink specials to stale popcorn, from the garage-door

front window to the dank recesses by the pool table, it offers a place for comely hipsters and

grizzled barflies alike to toast life’s triumphs or commiserate in its little injustices. Because

at The OP, there is always the next beer.Dan BOlles

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16C | SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS »sevendaysvt.com

Best visual artist [W] dug NAP[RU] Katharine Montstream

Best art gallery [W] Firehouse Gallery (Burlington)[RU] Frog Hollow (Burlington)

Coolest craft gallery[W] Frog Hollow (Burlington)[RU] Candles & Creations (South Burlington)

Best movie theater[W] Merrill’s Roxy Theatre (Burlington)[RU] Majestic 10 (Williston)

Best museum[W] Shelburne Museum [RU] ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center (Burlington)

Best Vermont festival[W] Burlington Discover Jazz Festival[RU] Vermont Brewers Festival (Burlington)

Best Vermont fi ction writer[W] Chris Bohjalian[RU] Archer Mayor

Best public golf course[W] Kwiniaska (Shelburne) [RU] Williston Golf Club

Superlative snow slope[W] Stowe Mountain Resort[RU] Sugarbush

Best x-country ski area[W] Trapp Family Lodge (Stowe) [RU] Catamount Family Center (Williston)

Best getaway weekend in Vermont[W] Stowe (town)[RU] Stowe Mountain Lodge

Best place to take your kids[W] ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center (Burlington)[RU] Shelburne Farms

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Best Place to Be During a SnowstormGENERAL STARK MOUNTAINMad River Glen

UPS AND DOWNS Picture this: It’s been puking snow for the past 24 hours.

The roads are a sloppy mess. I’ve got a to-do list three

pages long. Screw it! I’m going skiing. And on days like

this, only one place makes me crazy with anticipation: the

runs off the single chair at Mad River Glen.

When the rushed breakfast of muffi ns and ClifBars,

the white-knuckle drive up Route 17 and the frantic boot

buckling are behind me, I fold myself onto the lonely

one-seater, and a profound peace comes over me. It’s so

quiet I can hear the snowfl akes piling up in my lap. The

cellphone is off. Email is a laughable trifl e. There’s nothing

to think about now but the run down.

Higher and higher, past the midstation and deep into a

whiteout, the silence is broken by hoots of delight coming

from some vague wonderland to my right. A skier fl oats

beneath me, leaving a contrail of cold vapor. I lick my lips

and pump my fi ngers. This is going to be good.

KIRK KARDASHIAN

Best Place to Go BarefootSHELBURNE MUSEUM Shelburne

TOE TRUCKIN’ When your digits get a hankering for some comfy

sod, look no farther than the soft western slopes of

the Shelburne Museum, where Higher Ground holds

its Concerts on the Green summer music series. The

grassy fi eld provides just enough tickle without the

prick of jagged pine cones or pebbles. When the

setting sun warms the tops of your feet and the

evening’s gathering dew cools your soles, it’s like

nature’s Icy Hot. If you’re sociable, there are plenty

of opportunities for hoof canoodling. Bare-footsie,

anyone? Oh, and don’t worry about bogarting this

grass. There’s plenty to go around, and it’s legal.

MIKE DIBIASIO


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W e blush to note that Seven Days read-ers voted, well, Seven Days the Best Vermont Publication. You didn’t have

to, but we’re glad you did. Likewise for selecting political columnist Shay Totten and staff writer Ken Picard first and second, respectively, for Best Print Journalist. This is an era of shrinking — and disappearing — media outlets; we honor all the journalists still fighting the good fight, and we don’t take anything for granted. Still, we enjoy accolades as much as the next guy. Like, say, Tom Messner. The WPTZ meteorologist has more than a winning smile — he’s got seven Daysies! Guess no one’s blaming him for this summer’s monsoon.

Another popular figure on the little screen will soon be leaving it. Longtime WCAX News Director Marselis Parsons is stepping down after 42 years at the station in various roles; he’s been running the show since 1984. Who will win the Daysie next year for “Best TV newscaster”? We shall see, but meanwhile, Parsons can pick up another one on his way to retirement. Bet he’ll be happy if no one ever asks him again, “What’s new?”

“Local first” sure applies to the fiberoptic world; Burlington Telecom won firsts, by a huge margin, for both Best Cable TV Provider and Best Internet Provider. The giant Comcast was runner-up in each category. And, speaking of homegrown talent, real, flesh-and-blood personalities Mike & Chantal (Czarny and Paulino) won their first Day-

sie for Best Local Radio DJ, though they’re shar-ing the tribute with their sidekick, Kaiser. The morning-show folks at 95 Triple X serve up “stupid news,” gossip, phone scams, contests, horoscopes, general silliness and, yes, music before some of us have had our first cup of coffee. Hope the Daysies party isn’t past their bedtime.

Seven Days readers may have a penchant for zany DJs, but they still chose the much calmer Vermont Public Radio for Best Radio Station. Maybe they like their actual news to be smart.

And, speaking of intelligentsia, both the state’s reigning political blogs consistently provoke thought, but this year the Green Mountain Daily leapt ahead of Vermont Daily Briefing, at least in the Daysies poll. Might it have something to do with GMD’s lively comments section? Whatever. Keep it coming, scribes.

There’s no question the House of LeMay will. The ladies slipped into first place for “Best Ver-mont blog (nonpolitical),” which has gotta be a drag for previous winner Candleblog. The site is mainly promotional for the beehived, high-heeled gals from the Hot Damn Trailer Park, though you can also find a calendar and commentary on GLBT activities in the area. In other words, plen-ty o’ pride. Bet they’ll have swell outfits for the Daysies.

PaMeLa PoLSTon

media & politics

Best Vermont Blog, nonpoliticalHoUse oF lemaY

lemaY daYVermont hasn’t had a GLBT newspaper since Out in the

Mountains folded in 2006, but the blog maintained by the

House of LeMay is the next best thing. You won’t find much

serious reporting on the LeMay site — it’s written by Amber

and LucyBelle LeMay, two drag queens who claim to hail from

the Hot Damn Trailer Park in the fictional town of Beaver

Pond, Vt. But if you’re curious about local gay culture, the

blog is a surprisingly informative source. The LeMays post

photos from and comments about every gay-themed event

they attend, and they do get around. Boy, do they ever. If

there’s a rainbow flag flying in Burlington, you can count on

them to find it — and blog about it.

CaTHy ReSMeR

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SEVEN DAYSIES | 2009 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS | 21C

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Best print journalist[W] Shay Totten (Seven Days)[RU] Ken Picard (Seven Days)

Best Vermont publication:[W] Seven Days[RU] Vermont Life

Best TV Newscaster[W] Marselis Parsons (WCAX)[RU] Darren Perron (WCAX)

Best meteorologist[W] Tom Messner (WPTZ)[RU] “Eye on the Sky” guys (VPR)

Best cable/satellite TV provider[W] Burlington Telecom[RU] Comcast


Best Local Radio DJMIKE & CHANTAL (95 Triple X, Winooski)

MORNING MADNESSMike and Chantal (no last names needed) have made a career out of being, well, a little

sophomoric. But that’s not an issue for our readers, who voted the 95 Triple X disc jockeys

the best radio personalities in Vermont. And just when you thought everyone in the Green

Mountain State was tuned in to Vermont Public Radio. Mike and Chantal’s stock in trade is

juvenilia — phone scams, “stupid news” and celebrity-skewering “entertainment sleaze.”

Their trusty sidekick, Kaiser, ratchets up the frat-house humor by taking on listener

challenges such as dumpster diving for a nickel, biting the caps off glass beer bottles, and

getting his ass cast in plaster. Every so often, the hosts play a little music, too — Katy Perry,

the Jonas Brothers and Lil’ Wayne are favorites. Then it’s back to their on-air shtick — which

might be as well worn as a hooker’s high heels, but it still entertains.

LAUREN OBER

Best Political SpokespersonPAUL HEINTZWashington, D.C.

In Vermont, it’s easy to interview our elected offi cials, no matter how high up the political

food chain they are. Heck, you can even run into them in the grocery store.

A pol’s media spokesperson, aka “fl ack,” serves as his or her buffer from media hounds. At

the same time, these fl acks want to be a source for, and not a scourge of, said media hounds.

Otherwise, how’s their boss gonna get some ink or screen time?

One of the best at this balancing act is Paul Heintz, spokesman for U.S. Rep. Peter Welch

(D-VT). He joined Welch in November 2008, just after the congressman was elected to a

second term.

A 2006 Dartmouth College grad, Heintz has been on the other side of the phone, too.

He spent time as a reporter at the Brattleboro Reformer and worked briefl y on staff at such

prestigious public news programs as “The NewsHour” on PBS and NPR’s “On the Media.”

Heintz is affable, understands deadlines, is willing to chew the fat (off the record, as any

good fl ack knows) and, like many Hill staffers, is available at nearly all hours of the day.

And, while Heintz pitches positive stories about his boss and issues a continuous stream

of press releases, he’ll also go the extra mile, tracking down other members of Congress, when

necessary, to help round out a story.

Now, that’s service.

SHAY TOTTEN

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Best local radio DJ[W] Mike & Chantal (95 Triple X)[RU] DJ Llu (99.9 The Buzz)

Best radio station[W] Vermont Public Radio[RU] 104.7 The Point

Best Vermont blog, political[W] www.greenmountaindaily.com [RU] www.vermontdailybriefi ng.com

Best Vermont blog, non-political[W] www.houseofl emay.com [RU] www.candleboy.com/candleblog


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Best Seven Days Reader-ContributorMOLLY HODGDONSouth Burlington

CONSTANT COMMENTER If you read Seven Days regularly, you probably recognize the

name Molly Hodgdon. She’s not part of our staff, but she’s

a frequent contributor: Molly writes letters to the editor,

comments on our blogs, submits restaurant reviews on the

7 Nights website, gives us story ideas and occasionally appears

in Eva Sollberger’s videos. She was also a fi nalist in our “What

I Did for Money” contest in April — the one who had earned

cash for swallowing and regurgitating live fi sh.

Molly is a fan of Seven Days, but she’s also one of our most

vocal critics. A horror-movie afi cionado, she recently took critic

Rick Kisonak to task in the “Letters section” and on Blurt, our

staff blog, for his review of Drag Me to Hell. Molly wasn’t fond

of Lauren Ober’s review of a Quadricentennial reception at the

Shelburne Museum, either. “Quel dommage,” she wrote in a

comment to Lauren’s Blurt post. “Why did 7d send Larry the

Cable Guy to an elegant cultural event?”

Unfortunately, the reason Molly has so much time to

contribute is that she’s disabled — she has systemic lupus. She

recently quit a full-time job and left graduate school. “My brain

is still going full-tilt,” she tells us, “but I don’t have school as

an outlet, so I fi nd that I’m writing and blogging and doing

artwork and creating. I like to stay mentally active.”

Read more of her writing on her own blog, Undead Molly, at

www.undeadmolly.blogspot.com. Thanks, Molly, for keeping us

honest.

CATHY RESMER

Best Candidate for Urban RenewalCREEK FARM CENTERColchester

FIXER UPPER Some readers might recommend a more visible community eyesore, such as the Kmart plaza

in South Burlington, with its Volkswagen-sized potholes, free-for-all driving patterns and

perennially vacant retail space. But when it comes to depressing commercial real estate, it’s

hard to fi nd a sadder strip mall than the Creek Farm Center.

Never been there? What a shocker. This lonely outpost of asphalt and tumbleweed is set

back from the corner of Creek Farm Road and Route 2/7 in north Colchester, within spitting

distance of the Spanked Puppy bar. Its anchor store, if you can call it that, is the Dollar

General, sandwiched between the Bingo Palace and the InPark Mobile Homes sales offi ce and

surrounded by 3000 square feet of Nobody’s Home.

Nothing against Gadue’s Dry Cleaning or the Daybreak Community Church, which

probably keep the parking lot plowed all winter, but this center is howling for a makeover.

Perhaps it’s time for a new reality TV show: “Pimp This Plaza!”KEN PICARD

MOLLY HODGDON


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Listen local: VPR and VPR Classical havenews, music, NPR, conversation, and more.

Visit VPR.net for schedules and frequencies.

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B usinesses come and, sadly, often go. Others change locations or add another one. But the core stores remain strong, certainly for Seven

Days readers. That’s why we see so many familiar names again and again. Last year we acknowledged 12 business-es that had won six consecutive Daysies. In 2009, two of those — Sweet Lady Jane and Imago — moved to sec-ond place, bested by Outdoor Gear Exchange and Good Stuff for Best Place to Buy Women’s Casual/Sportwear” and Best Adult Toy Store, respectively. But maybe they’ll follow the path of Indigo, which came back with a ven-geance after last year’s loss to Stephen & Burns for Best Hair Salon. (We can’t help observing that the owners of those two salons used to be married to each other. Coin-cidence?)

Some new names do appear this year, in part because we divvied up a few categories geographically into inside and outside Chittenden County (see intro for explana-tion). That allowed Burlington’s Isabean to share space on the kiddie shelf with perennial Zutano for Best Chil-dren’s Clothing; The Men’s Store in Montpelier to join longtime winner Michael Kehoe for Best Men’s Cloth-ing; and the capital city’s Splash Naturals to sit pretty with Burlington’s Mirror Mirror for Best Beauty-product Purveyor.” (The latter has a competitor in the form of the international chain MAC Cosmetics, which opened a shop last year on Church Street.)

In the return-to-first-place department, we also have Sports & Fitness Edge for Best Health Club and Fiori Bridal for, duh, Best Bridal Shop. Full Tank is back after we changed the category wording (again) to Best Place to Buy a Pipe. In the reverse direction, Lang McLaughry Spera lost the Daysie deal to Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman for Best Real Estate Agency; Old Spokes

Home lost the race for Best Bike Shop to SkiRack. No one trades places like Topnotch and Stoweflake for

Best Spa — the two seem to alternate every year. In 2009, Topnotch is back on, well, top. But both have a serious competitor in the new kid up the road: Stowe Mountain Lodge has made its large presence known in several cat-egories this year. In this section, the lodge scooted into second place behind the indomitable Inn at Shelburne Farms for Best Vermont Wedding Venue.

Homeport, a perennial winner for Hottest House-wares, also grabbed Best Furniture Store this year. New-comer Candles & Creations snatched Grooviest Gift Shop from Scribbles — though the latter sits comfortably in first for Best Stationer.

Closing his downtown store didn’t prevent goldsmith Timothy Grannis from repeating his previous wins for Best Designer Jewelry; perhaps that bodes well for his new studio collective, Alchemy.

As always, we came up with a few new categories this year. Let’s start feet first: Burlington’s Tootsies won its first Daysie for “Best manicure/pedicure.” (And hey, there’s that Stowe Mountain Lodge in second place. Who knew?)

Two other newbies reflect the times, and technology: Best Web Developer went to Union Street Media, with Propeller Media Works a close second. And the Best Vermont ‘Green’ Business, according to Seven Days read-ers, is the earth-friendly home-products company Sev-enth Generation. Hinesburg’s wind-power people, NRG Systems, are runners-up. Way to go eco!

Congrats to winners old and new. Hope we see you all at the Daysies party.

PAMELA POLSTON

services & stuff

Best Bike Shop (Inside Chittenden County)sKirAcKBurlington

turN, turN, turN Nice rack, yo! In recent years, the Daysies competition

for best bike shop in Chittenden County has become

almost as grueling as the Tour de France mountain stage,

minus the doping scandals and hyperinflated egos.

This year SkiRack, on lower Main Street, took home

the yellow jersey, leading the pack among Seven Days

readers and riders. With plenty of wicking wear, outdoor

accessories and sundry sporting goods to choose from,

the Rack tempts local cycling enthusiasts to pop in for its

impressive selection of two-wheelers, whether they’re in

the market for a bad-ass BMX, a knobby-tired mud bike, a

tandem cruiser or a high-end road racer. And with a repair

crew that’s second to none, you won’t even have to get

your fingers greasy. Saddle up!

KEN PICARd

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AdAM ST. GERMAIN


322 No. Winooksi Ave. Burlington | 863-4475 | www.oldspokeshome.com

We buy, sell & trade

used bikes!old spokes home

Superheroes ride bikes!

You should too.

DQ09-oldspokes.indd 1 7/30/09 3:27:49 PM

We Carry . . . Silver Surfer, Volcano & other Assorted Vaporizers Acrylic, Metal, Wood, Ceramic Interchangers

Incense - Beaded Curtains, Tapestries & Posters

Thanks for the Votes!

75 Main St., Burlington, VT, (802) 864-6555Thursday 10-9; Friday - Saturday 10-10; Sunday 12-7

Must be 18 to purchase tobacco products, ID required

Northern Lights

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LOWEST PRICES, ALWAYS IN STOCK

SIGN UP FOR VOLCANO RAFFLE!

DQ09-northernlights.indd 1 7/31/09 10:32:57 AM

2 Church Street, Burlington • 802.660.9003Appointments Recommended • www.sewlyyours.com

Sewly Yours Once Upon A Bride

DQ09-sewlyyours.indd 1 7/31/09 3:09:50 PM

DQ09-WaterfrontVideo.indd 1 7/31/09 4:04:31 PM

Best place to buy women’s casual/sportswearINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] The Outdoor Gear Exchange (Burlington) [RU] Sweet Lady Jane (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Onion River Sports (Montpelier)[RU] Salaam Boutique (Montpelier)

Best place to buy women’s evening wearINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] ECCO (Burlington)[RU] Sweet Lady Jane (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Salaam Boutique (Montpelier)[RU] Everywear (Vergennes)

Best men’s clothingINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Michael Kehoe (Burlington)[RU] Banana Republic (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] The Men’s Store (Montpelier)

Best shoe storeINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Stella (Burlington)[RU] Danform Shoes (Burlington, Shelburne)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] The Shoe Horn (Montpelier)[RU] Well Heeled (Stowe)

Best vintage/secondhand clothes [W] Old Gold (Burlington) [RU] Battery Street Jeans (Burlington)

Best children’s clothingINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Isabean (Burlington)[RU] Bebop Baby Shop (Essex Junction)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Zutano (Montpelier)

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Best Children’s Store (Inside Chittenden County) ISABEAN CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUEBurlington

KID STUFFDon’t be put off by the “boutique” in its name. Isabean isn’t some hoity-toity shop that caters to the blue-blooded brood

with silver spoons and gilded potty seats. This locally owned store has been dressing and accessorizing Vermont’s kids —

from newborns to tweeners — for the better part of fi ve years. Since relocating from Williston to downtown Burlington

late last year — it now occupies the former PhotoGarden building on College Street — Isabean has earned gold stars

from Seven Days readers, whether they’re seeking sundresses for the gals or truck-bedecked T-shirts for the

lads. (Or vice versa — Isabean doesn’t color-code our kids’ genders.) C’mon down, park yourself

on the hardwood fl oor and take a handmade wooden toy car for a test drive. Don’t worry — we won’t tell anyone.KEN PICARD

ISABEAN OWNER KATHERINE COHEN

Best VT Green BusinessSEVENTH GENERATIONBurlington

DOWN TO EARTH“Paper or plastic?” That’s a thorny dilemma for

tree huggers. But it doesn’t have to be a choice

between two evils, thanks to the eco-conscious

peeps at Seventh Generation. The Vermont-based

company derives its name from the Great Law of

the Iroquois: “In our every deliberation, we must

consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven

generations.” With products ranging from chlorine-

free baby wipes to petroleum-free cleaners, Seventh

Gen has become the nation’s leading manufacturer

of nontoxic, recycled and all-natural household

products. While other corporations may “greenwash”

their brands and pay lip service to an environmental

ethos, Seventh Generation walks the walk, right down

to its LEED-certifi ed corporate headquarters in Main

Street Landing. If the company can’t make a product

sustainably, it won’t make it at all.

KEN PICARD


SEVENTH GENERATION CEO CHUCK MANISCALCO

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802.862.0135www.chittendenhumane.org

802.658.2202www.oldnorthendvet.com

How ‘cool’ is your pet?Once you know all the ways that heat can affect yourpets, you’ll want to be sure to keep them cool during thesummer. After all, pets can get overheated, dehydrated,even sunburned -- just like you!

Keep these tips in mind: Never leave pets alone inany vehicle. Even parking in the shade won’t be coolenough. Make sure to have cool, fresh water on handwhen traveling and at home. And make play timeearly or late, but not after a meal, or when it’s humid.

Paw pads are sensitive and can burn, so avoid asphaltand hot sidewalks. If you go to the beach, make sure

there’s a shady spot and plenty of fresh water. Don’tforget to rinse off your dog if they swim in salt water.

Older, overweight, and snub-nosed dogs should bekept inside in air-conditioned rooms. When grooming,trim fur no less than a one-inch length to preventsunburn, and brush cats often. Bugs are a bother, butnever use insect repellant with DEET on your pets.For more summer tips, ask your vet, or visit theHumane Society website.

Proper care in the summer (not sunglasses) is the bestway to have a really ‘cool’ pet.

SummerHeatPG.qxd 7/29/09 4:22 PM Page 1

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Everything’s Coming Up Daysies!

For over 27 years, the employee-owners of Gardener’s Supply have been supporting communities, locally and nationally, through mission, education, and inspiration.

It’s simple…we believe gardening can make the world a better and healthier place.

We take great pride in our reputation for providing the best garden-tested, earth-friendly gardening supplies, solutions, and know-how. Thank you to Seven Days readers for voting us Greatest Garden Center six years running! We look forward to continuing the tradition again this year and for years to come!

(802)660-3505 • Mon–Sat 9am–6pm, Sun 10am–5pm

472 Marshall Ave. Taft Corners, Williston

128 Intervale Rd. off Riverside Ave, Burlington

Join our Gardener’s Club and

enjoy great membership benefits all year long!

It’s FREE! Sign-up in-store Today!

DQ09-gardeners.indd 1 7/30/09 4:57:04 PM DQ09-skirack.indd 1 7/31/09 1:01:57 PM

company coming?Show your guests where the locals go! Find Vermont’s best swimming, boating, tours, hiking, attractions and more!

We’ve done the research and compiled our faves online:

»sevendaysvt.com/summerguide

modq-summerpicks09.indd 1 7/31/09 3:18:19 PM


Best spectacles [W] Eyes of the World (Burlington)[RU] The Optical Center (Burlington)

Best designer jewelry[W] Timothy Grannis (Burlington)[RU] Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry (Burlington)

Best beauty-product purveyorINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Mirror Mirror (Burlington)[RU] MAC Cosmetics (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Splash Naturals (Montpelier)

Best pet store[W] Pet Food Warehouse (South Burlington, Shelburne)[RU] Pet Advantage (South Burlington)

Best musical instrument store[W] Advance Music Center (Burlington)[RU] GuitarSam (Montpelier)

Best record storeINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Pure Pop Records (Burlington)[RU] Downtown Discs (Burlington

Best record storeOUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Buch Spieler (Montpelier)[RU] Riverwalk Records (Montpelier)

Best bookstoreINSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Barnes & Noble (South Burlington) [RU] Crow Bookshop (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Bear Pond Books (Montpelier)[RU] Rivendell Books (Montpelier)

Hottest housewares[W] Homeport (Burlington)[RU] Kiss the Cook (Burlington)

Best furniture store[W] Homeport (Burlington) [RU] Burlington Furniture Company

Best antique/secondhand store [W] ReCycle North (Burlington)[RU] Whistle Stop Antiques (Burlington)

Best lighting shop[W] Conant Metal & Light (Burlington)[RU] The Lamp Shop (Shelburne)

Grooviest gift shop[W] Candles & Creations (South Burlington)[RU] Scribbles (Burlington)

Best photo shop[W] PhotoGarden (South Burlington)[RU] LeZot Camera (Burlington)

Best computer store[W] Small Dog Electronics (South Burlington/Waitsfield)

Best place to rent a movie[W] (Off the) Waterfront Video (Burlington, Middlebury)[RU] Netflix (White River Junction)

Best Internet provider[W] Burlington Telecom[RU] Comcast

Best web developer[W] Union Street Media (Burlington)[RU] Propeller Media Works (Burlington)

Best stationer[W] Scribbles (Burlington)[RU] Ink Ink (Shelburne)

Best bridal shop[W] Fiori Bridal (Essex Junction)[RU] Shaline’s Bridal Boutique (Montpelier)

Best wedding venue[W] Inn at Shelburne Farms[RU] Stowe Mountain LodgemeRly gUanteRo

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Best men’s Clothing (outside Chittenden County)tHe MeN’s stOreMontpelier

For guys looking to deck themselves in something other than Carhartts and flannel, Vermont is a bit of a fashion

desert, at least outside the Burlington area. That may be why Montpelier’s The Men’s Store opened last November

“with a bang,” according to Manager Marin Bowman. In Birkenstocks central, “Even the most laid-back dresser

occasionally would like something to spruce up their wardrobe,” she says. And the clientele has been as broad as

it gets, from teens browsing local designer Colin Arisman’s graphic T-shirts to a certain tax commissioner stocking

up on professional separates. From urban streetwear to Calvin Klein suits, the styles are definitely diverse. The

Men’s Store was conceived by Salaam owner Andrea Miksic, who’s started a line of men’s shirts in her signature

fabrics. So, has Bowman had the opportunity to turn any central Vermont hippies into hipsters? “A little bit,” she

says with a laugh. “One by one.”

Pamela Polston

BRadley joRdan


First-pick florist INSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Maplehurst Florist (Essex, Burlington)[RU] Stray Cat (Burlington)

OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] The Pink Shutter (Montpelier)

Best outdoor outfitter[W] The Outdoor Gear Exchange (Burlington)[RU] Eastern Mountain Sports (South Burlington)

Best bike shop[W] SkiRack (Burlington)[RU] Old Spokes Home (Burlington)

Best auto dealer[W] The Automaster of Shelburne[RU] Burlington Subaru

Best real estate agency[W] Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman Realty [RU] Lang McLaughry Spera Real Estate

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Best Manicure/PedicuretOOtsiesBurlington

HAPPY FeetWith such finicky weather, the surplus of practical footwear such as Crocs,

clogs and Birkenstocks in Vermont is no surprise. But the proprietors of

Tootsies know it’s what’s inside that counts. Underneath the sensible shoes

and boots, ladies in the know hide indulged little digits that have been

pampered with pedicures that smooth, massage, polish, scrub and wax them

into shape. The shoe store, co-owned by Beth Estey and Mary Lou Robinson

since 2006, even offers pedicure parties for girls’ night out, at which clients

can sip juice or BYO alcoholic libations while luxuriating in a pineapple pedi.

Along with nail services, Tootsies offers up trendy accessories ranging from

purses to jewelry to “fantastic footwear that will not break your budget.”

CaRolyn Fox

Best Website DeveloperuNiON street MeDiABurlington

Everybody’s on the Internet these days. If you need a new website, or even an upgrade, Seven

Days readers recommend you call Union Street Media. Founder Ted Adler started the company

in 1999; its first office space was his dorm room at Middlebury College. Today USM specializes in

creating websites for high-end real estate agents. It also builds e-commerce sites and provides

Internet marketing services to businesses, schools and nonprofits. Last November, the Lake

Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce recognized Adler and his innovative crew with its 2008

“Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.”

Cathy ResMeR

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Beth esty anD

MaRyloURoBinson


Barre 476-7446 • Williston 879-6640 • St. Albans 527-0532 • www.lennyshoe.com

...starting with the uniform.Health care reform

SCRUBS now at Lenny’s!solids & prints / from $13.99!

Ceremonies & Receptions on the shores of Lake Champlain w Historic Coach Barn w May–September w Information: [email protected]

www.shelburnefarms.org w Shelburne Farms is a National Historic Landmark, nonprofit environmental education center and working farm.

You’re making a big commitment to the future. So are we.

When we host your wedding, you get more than a beautiful site. You support the Farm’s education programs to help create a more sustainable future.

Dar

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Stephen Straub

SHELBURNE FARMSSHELBURNE FARMS

DQ09-shelburneFarms.indd 1 7/30/09 1:09:07 PM

topnotchresort.com4000 Mountain RoadStowe, Vermont802 253 8585

Surroundedby natureEncircledby enchantmentWrappedin luxury

DQ09-Topnotch.indd 1 7/28/09 2:38:51 PM

Evolution Yoga

802.864.YOGAwww.evolutionvt.com

evolution yoga 20 kilburn street burlington, vt

thanks for all of your support over the past 3 years!

come to Evolution’s Birthday Party at the Art Hop on 9.11 with:

15 Artists live music by New Nile Orchestra

Outdoor Nia Jam

FREE 10 pm Yoga Class with John McConnell

Flying Yoga Performance

Indian Food and Henna

come for the Art.stay for the Yoga.

CELEBRATE!

DQ09-Evolution.indd 1 7/30/09 1:16:38 PM


Greatest garden center [W] Gardener’s Supply Company (Burlington, Williston)[RU] Claussen’s (Colchester)

Best VT green business[W] Seventh Generation (Burlington)[RU] NRG (Hinesburg)

Best place to do your banking[W] Merchants Bank[RU] New England Federal Credit Union

Best place to buy a pipe[W] Full Tank (Burlington) [RU] The Bern Gallery (Burlington)

Best adult toy store [W] Good Stuff (Burlington, St. Albans, Waterbury Center) [RU] Imago (Colchester)

Best hair salon[W] Indigo (Burlington)[RU] Stephen & Burns Salon, Spa and Boutique (Burlington)

Best place to get body art[W] Yankee Tattoo (Burlington)[RU] Gold for Blood Tattoo (Burlington)

Best yoga studio[W] Evolution Physical Therapy & Yoga (Burlington)[RU] Yoga Vermont (Burlington)

Best health club[W] Sports & Fitness Edge (South Burlington, Essex, Williston)[RU] Shelburne Health & Fitness

Most spectacular spa [W] Topnotch Resort & Spa (Stowe) [RU] Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (Stowe)

Best manicure/pedicure[W] Tootsies (Burlington)[RU] Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge

Best Place to Buy Women’s Casual/Sportswear (Inside Chittenden County); Best Outdoor Outfitter

THE OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE Burlington

TAKE A HIKEIf you’re easily overwhelmed when faced with bins of hiking socks and racks on racks of waterproof

jackets, the Outdoor Gear Exchange is not a safe place for you. Burlington’s reigning outdoor retailer

has everything you could ever want or need to outfit a trip to Mt. Mansfield or to Mt. Everest, and

its customers have hiked both. But you needn’t be Sir Edmund Hilary to find something of interest

in OGE. In fact, you don’t have to be a hiker at all. The shop sells plenty of samples and factory

extras of everything from puff coats to stylish tees, dog leashes to backcountry skis. Plus, with

a sizeable consignment section, you don’t have to go broke gearing up. Bonus: Lots of friendly

pooches milling around the store and a staff that’s as good-looking and friendly as it is rugged.

LaURen OBeR

Grooviest Gift Shop (Inside Chittenden County)

CANDLES & CREATIONSSouth Burlington

CANDLE IN THE WIND Casey Webster and Heather Paine started their gift shop in 2007 knowing that opening a brick-and-

mortar business can be risky. But their risk paid off, and today they’re a go-to spot for candles of all

varieties, as well as silver jewelry and products to help you balance your chakras. Eclectic? Yes. New-

agey? For sure. But their wares complement each other well. Need a candle to make your teenager’s

bedroom less aromatic? Take your pick of palm-wax sticks scented with anything from blueberry

cobbler to cucumber tea. How about books on crystal therapy and the power of positive thinking?

Check. A warm, fuzzy feeling is included with every purchase — 15 percent of the store’s proceeds

go to area charities.

LaURen OBeR


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ChRIS SCheLLeR

CaSey WeBSteR and heatheR PaIne


www.sfedge.com

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THANKS FOR THE VOTES!

DFP09-Sports&fitness.indd 1 7/30/09 10:59:32 AM

vermont's seven daysies 2009

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